Port St Mary Commissioners are pleased to confirm that they have submitted a planning application for the erection of a memorial for the Mona’s Queen Anchor at Kallow Point. Following a detailed review of design proposals, it was felt that the selected scheme was very sympathetic to such a rich piece of Manx maritime history. The plans were agreed at a meeting of the Board of Port St Mary Commissioners on Tuesday 28th February.
The selected scheme was developed to incorporate a number of features and suggestions contributed by a number of parties and include many features from a scheme suggested by Terry Kelly, who, along with Captain Jack Ronan, has been very active in ensuring that the anchor would be sited at Kallow Point. The anchor will be sited on a base displaying the points of a compass, such that it points directly towards Dunkirk. The anchor will also be supported by a large stone reclaimed from the ledges at Kallow Point. Chairman of Port St Mary Commissioners, Mr Christopher Kinley said, “The design has been through a number of iterations as the Board felt it was so important that it was exactly right. The Board felt that marrying together the anchor which was reclaimed from the sea bed off Dunkirk and a stone reclaimed from the sea at Port St Mary provided a very poignant, yet triumphant statement. It’s location at Kallow Point is also visible from the Howe, where a number of the lost crewmen were from.”
Mr Kinley went on to add, “A new level access pathway will be constructed leading to the memorial from a marked disabled parking bay along Clifton Road. The location of the memorial at Kallow Point is also on the Raad ny Foillan so walkers traversing the coastal footpath will be able to stop and read the history of Manx involvement at Dunkirk. The decision to incorporate seating at the memorial was taken to allow all visitors to sit and reflect whilst looking out to sea along the anchor in the direction of Dunkirk. Flag poles will be erected during the summer season to allow flags representing Steam Packet, Isle of Man, France and the UK to be displayed during the annual ceremony which will be held on the 29th May, commencing this year.”
Mr Kinley concluded, “The Board would like thank all of those involved in bringing back such a rich piece of Manx History to the Island. A special mention must be made to the late Captain Andrew Douglas and subsequently Hamish Ross who were instrumental figures in reclaiming the anchor from the sea off Dunkirk. The Board would like to thank WGS Limited for their kind generosity in offering to undertake the topographical survey of the site free of charge”.
-ENDS-
